Best of Michael Franks: A Backwards Glance

Personnel includes: Michael Franks (vocals, acoustic guitar); Larry Carlton, John Tropea, Bucky Pizzarelli, David Spinozza, Hugh McCracken, Jeff Mironov (guitar); Seldon Powell (soprano saxophone); David Sanborn (alto saxophone); Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Randy Brecker (flugelhorn); Joe Sample (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Kenny Barron (piano); Rob Mounsey (Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, programming); Leon Pendarvis, Don Grolnick (keyboards); Larry Bunker, Mike Mainieri (vibraphone); Wilton Felder, Will Lee, Ron Carter, Neil Jason, Francisco Centeno (bass); John Guerin (drums, percussion); Steve Gadd, Ben Riley, Rick Marrotta(drums); Victor Feldman, Sue Evans, Luis Conte (percussion).
Producers include: Tommy LiPuma, John Simon, Rob Mounsey, Jeff Lorber, Michael Colina.
Engineers include: Bruce Botnick, Al Schmitt, Glenn Berger.
Jazz-pop maestro Michael Franks carved out a distinctive niche for himself in the 1970s and `80s with his smooth, clever, easygoing singer-songwriter fare. This 15-track compilation provides the perfect introduction to his output, encompassing early pop hits like "Popsicle Toes" and "The Lady Wants to Know," along with gauzy ballads like "Tiger in the Rain" and jazzy `80s hits like "Island Life." Franks's cheeky way with a lyric and sleek, radio-ready sound may be off-putting to some, but repeated listens reveal how well-crafted his songs and arrangements really are. A BACKWARD GLANCE is the premiere Franks primer.